Introduction
In modern geopolitics, few border regions have garnered as much attention as Doklam. Tucked away in the high Himalayas, this seemingly remote plateau is a flashpoint between India and China, with Bhutan caught in the middle. Located near the Chumbi Valley, where India’s state of Sikkim, Bhutan, and Tibet meet, Doklam is more than just disputed land—it's a symbol of strategic resistance and regional powerplay.
The 2017 Doklam standoff made headlines globally, showcasing how terrain and political borders intersect to create tension in mountainous, sparsely populated zones. The plateau is now viewed through both geostrategic and military lenses, making it a vital topic in geopolitical geography.
1. Geographical Location and Features
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Region: Eastern Himalayas
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Elevation: ~4,000 meters (13,000 ft)
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Size: Approximately 89 sq. km
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Surroundings: Bordered by the Chumbi Valley (Tibet, China), Ha Valley (Bhutan), and Doka La Pass (India)
The Doklam Plateau lies to the east of Doka La pass, at the tri-junction of three nations. It is characterized by high-altitude grasslands, rugged mountain ridges, and sparse vegetation. Its location makes it an important access point to India's strategic Siliguri Corridor—the narrow stretch of land connecting the northeastern states to the rest of India.
2. Historical and Political Background
a. Territorial Dispute
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Bhutan claims Doklam as part of its territory.
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China claims Doklam based on its historical interpretations of boundaries.
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India supports Bhutan’s claim, citing the 1949 and 2007 India-Bhutan treaties of friendship.
b. The 2017 Standoff
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Began in June 2017 when China attempted to extend a road southward into Doklam.
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Indian troops intervened to prevent further Chinese incursion.
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A 73-day military standoff followed, ending in August 2017 with both sides pulling back.
3. Strategic Importance
a. Proximity to the Siliguri Corridor
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Also called the “Chicken’s Neck”, this corridor is a narrow 20–25 km strip connecting Northeast India to the rest of the country.
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Any Chinese control over Doklam could threaten this vital route.
b. China’s Military Infrastructure
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China has been building roads, bunkers, and helipads near the region.
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Control over Doklam could enable China to monitor Indian troop movement in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
c. India-Bhutan Relations
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India’s intervention in 2017 reaffirmed its role as Bhutan’s security partner.
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The region underscores the India-China-Bhutan trilateral relationship and Bhutan's delicate position between two powers.
4. Environmental and Terrain Challenges
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The region is difficult to access due to rough, high-altitude terrain.
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Heavy snowfall and landslides restrict movement for much of the year.
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Military logistics and patrolling are challenging, giving advantage to better-prepared forces.
5. Ongoing Tensions and Recent Developments
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Post-2017 satellite images show increased Chinese infrastructure near the area.
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India has also strengthened its military presence in Sikkim and improved border roads.
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Doklam continues to be a potential flashpoint despite diplomatic silence.
Conclusion
The Doklam Plateau, though small in size, holds massive strategic and geopolitical value. It is a textbook example of how geography shapes diplomacy, national security, and international relations. The 2017 standoff proved that mountainous borders, even uninhabited, are crucial to national sovereignty and defense strategy.
For India, Doklam is essential to protect the Siliguri Corridor and maintain strong ties with Bhutan. For China, it represents a strategic expansion point to dominate the region. As long as these interests clash, Doklam will remain a silent witness to power struggles in the Himalayas—a high-altitude theater where maps, soldiers, and strategy intersect.